David O. Russell's films feel like family reunions at this point, with the director calling in members of his own little ensemble. Jennifer Lawrence takes the lead in his latest piece, Joy, with Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro appearing in supporting roles. Lawrence plays entrepreneur Joy Mangano in what is just the kind of American story of success that could inspire the Academy to position it as a potential Best Picture winner. O. Russell is almost certainly going to be in the frame for a screenwriting prize and the Academy seldom passes up an opportunity to have Jennifer Lawrence at their ceremony. Joy stands almost no chance of winning the major award, but it would be an enormous surprise if it wasn't amongst the nominees on Oscar night.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
